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Bengal Voters' List Finalized Feb 28, Assembly Poll Dates Next

The Election Commission of India has set February 28 as the new date for publishing the final electoral roll for West Bengal. This revision follows a Supreme Court directive granting additional time for scrutiny beyond the original February 14 deadline. The process involves completing hearings by February 14, followed by document scrutiny and polling station rationalization. After the list's publication, the ECI will visit the state ahead of announcing dates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Key Points: Bengal Final Voters' List Date Set for February 28 by ECI

  • Final voters' list publication on Feb 28
  • Hearing sessions deadline Feb 14
  • Scrutiny from Feb 15-21
  • Rationalisation of polling stations by Feb 25
  • Assembly election dates to follow
2 min read

Bengal SIR: Final voters' list to be published on Feb 28

ECI announces final voters' list for West Bengal to be published on Feb 28, extending deadlines after Supreme Court directive. Key step before Assembly poll dates.

"granted at least one additional week beyond February 14 to complete scrutiny - Supreme Court Bench led by CJI Surya Kant"

Kolkata, Feb 10

The Election Commission of India, on Tuesday, announced that February 28 will be the new date for the publication of the final voters' list in West Bengal.

At the same time, the ECI had also fixed February 14 as the new deadline for the completion of the hearing sessions on claims and objections over the draft voters' list in West Bengal.

The completion of the hearing sessions will be followed by a scrutiny, following which the final voters' list will be published on February 28.

As per the revised schedule, a document that is available with IANS, after the completion of the hearing season on February 14, there will be a scrutiny of documents and disposal till February 21.

While the rationalisation of polling stations will be completed by February 25, checking the health parameters of the polling stations will be completed by February 27.

Finally, on February 28, the final voters' list will be published.

The decisions for fixing the new deadline for completion of the hearing sessions and also the new date for publication of the final voters' list was taken at a meeting between the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, with the full-bench of the ECI at the Commission's headquarters at New Delhi earlier in the day.

The initial deadline for completing the hearing sessions was on February 7, and originally, the final voters' list was scheduled to be published on February 14.

However, the extensions of the deadline for both purposes became inevitable after a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, on Monday, directed that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) be granted at least one additional week beyond February 14 to complete scrutiny and take appropriate decisions.

After the publication of the final voters' list, the full bench of the Commission will visit West Bengal to take stock of the situation.

Soon thereafter, the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections in the state, scheduled later this year, will be announced.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see a clear timeline now. February 28th it is. The focus should be on checking the health parameters of polling stations too - last time in my area, the building had a leaking roof! Hope they actually inspect properly. 🤞
A
Aman W
The delay is understandable if it leads to a more robust list. But ECI must ensure these extensions don't become a regular feature before every election. Efficiency is key. Let's see if they stick to this new deadline.
S
Sarah B
Working on the ground here in Kolkata. The hearing sessions are crucial for resolving discrepancies. Many people, especially those who have moved, need this window. Hope the process is smooth and transparent for all.
V
Vikram M
Final list on Feb 28, then poll dates announced. The countdown begins! Bengal elections are always a high-stakes affair. Hope the focus remains on democratic exercise and development issues, not just political drama.
K
Karthik V
As a respectful criticism, I wish the ECI's initial scheduling had more buffer. Last-minute changes, even if for good reason, can create confusion among common voters. Planning needs to be more realistic from the start.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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